Metastatic Breast Cancer
Leah Chareonchump’s Story
Leah Chareonchump was diagnosed with breast cancer just two weeks after her 31st birthday.
She found the lump herself, but because she was young, her concerns were dismissed more than once. Still, she knew something was wrong.
“I was right,” she says, “which I didn’t want to be right.”
Years later, when worsening hip pain was also dismissed, Leah had to advocate for herself again. That persistence led to the discovery that her cancer had returned as innumerable bone metastases.
Leah’s story is a powerful reminder that young people know their bodies, too. Age should never be a reason for someone’s pain, fear, or intuition to be brushed aside.
Read MoreKaren Walsh’s Story
“The reason I sought you guys out was for community,” Karen says. “Community for my boys, for families.”
Now returning for Runway’s 20th anniversary, Karen is grateful to be part of a space where stories are allowed to change, where hard things can be named, and where no one has to feel alone in what they are carrying.
Read MoreEmily Knight’s Story
Emily Knight was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022, just before her 40th birthday.
Now living with metastatic breast cancer, Emily continues treatment indefinitely and is currently doing well, with clear scans since radiation and treatment to the affected area.
Through it all, Emily has found that community matters most.
“The community is the most important thing,” Emily says.
Read MoreMarnie Sheeran’s Story
Through Runway, Marnie has found something that helps her reach back toward joy: connection. She has learned that healing can happen in a community.
“What Runway has given me is support — and exciting things to look forward to.”
Read MoreSarah Hickey’s Story
Sarah Hickey dreams of being there for her daughter’s wedding.
For a long time, she imagined that certain future milestones such as this would define the fullness of her life.
But she is also learning to see that fullness in the present: dropping her daughter off at kindergarten, tucking her in at night, and sharing the small, ordinary moments that now feel anything but ordinary.
“I’m measuring the success of my life in those little moments,” Sarah says.
She still wants the big moments. But she no longer believes they are the only proof of a life well lived.
Read MoreArlene Garcia’s Story
As Arlene continues living with metastatic breast cancer, there have been many changes: progression in her brain tumors, liver, and bones, difficult side effects, double vision, and the uncertainty of hoping a new treatment will work.
Still, Arlene is holding tightly to hope — especially through her children.
“I am hoping to see them thrive and grow,” Arlene says.
Read MoreBarbara Bigelow’s Story
Barbara Bigelow was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015.
This March, she reached 10 years with no evidence of disease.
Barbara shares her story to give hope to others living with metastatic breast cancer. “And that’s what I want to do, is give people hope that it’s not over before it’s over.”
Read MoreLynne Cao’s Story
For Lynne, stepping onto the Runway stage is not about being a dancer or feeling perfectly comfortable in the spotlight. It is about courage, connection, and the love that surrounds her when she joins the Runway community.
“Imagine the warmest embrace that you can possibly imagine, the tightest hug,” she says. “That’s kind of how I would equate Runway for Recovery.”
Read MoreNicole Niccoli’s Story
Breast Cancer has taken so much from Nicole’s family, but she is now choosing to move forward with purpose: living more fully, gathering knowledge for her daughters, and holding onto the hope that research today could help protect them tomorrow.
“Before, I wasn’t living,” she shared. “But now I am trying to truly live every day.”
Read MoreMelissa Huber’s Story
Melissa Huber’s breast cancer story begins with her son.
At just four and a half years old, James helped her face one of the most emotional moments of treatment: losing her hair. As Melissa sat in the salon chair, tears rolling down her face, her little boy looked at her and said words she still carries with her today.
“Mommy, you do not need hair to be beautiful.”
Diagnosed at 34, Melissa has faced breast cancer, treatment, recurrence, bone metastases, and liver lesions with honesty, grit, and deep love for the little boy who remains her reason why.
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